Comprehensive English: Reading and Writing Skills

English Reading and Writing Certificate

If you've been looking to become a stronger reader and writer, our online Comprehensive English: Reading and Writing Skills Certificate can help you take the next step. In flexible, online English classes, you'll build or sharpen your grammar and communication skills on your schedule, from home!

  • Improve reading comprehension and learn how to write effectively.
  • Most jobs require some small amount of writing, whether that means being able to write a professional email or putting together comprehensive reports, so strengthening your skills can help you be more confident at work.
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced
student at computer studying.

What You Will Learn

  1. How to use reading techniques such as context and scanning to determine the meanings of unfamiliar words and information.
  2. How to recognize elements of writing such as parts of speech and sentences, simile, metaphor, imagery, inference, bias, and the elements of fiction.
  3. How to to write an effective essay using correct grammar and word usage, including how to properly cite sources.
  4. How to understand the essentials of English grammar including nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, and other parts of speech.
Full Program Goal & Outcomes

English Skills Career Outcomes


Many employers look for job applicants who have strong written and verbal communication skills. With Penn Foster's English: Comprehensive Skills in Reading and Writing Program, you can build and strengthen skills that can be an asset in a job or in furthering your education. However, completing online reading and writing classes alone won't necessarily qualify you for a job. Completion of this program may assist students who have previous academic or work-related experience improve their chances for promotion or entry-level employment.

State Licensing Requirements

Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in this field are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Comprehensive English Skills Curriculum

  • 3 courses
  • 11 exams
  • 21.5 continuing education units (CEUs)
  • 3 submitted projects


Estimated completion time:

  • Fast track = 4 months
  • Average time = 6 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

In our Comprehensive English: Reading and Writing Skills Program, you’ll take classes that will teach you reading skills, features of writing, and how to identify correct usage of words. The online English classes are designed to help you enhance your communication skills using correct grammar, writing complete sentences, and learning library research skills. Your classes include:


  • Reading Skills
  • Practical English
  • Written Communication

Show Full Curriculum

English Skills Success Stories

Penn Foster’s English: Comprehensive Skills in Reading and Writing Program can help prepare you to become a stronger reader and writer. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
View Student Success Stories
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Brianna B.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“I learned more in one English course from Penn Foster than I had in the other two public high school English courses I took; in fact, I am now an English tutor.”

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Comprehensive English Skills Certificate Tuition

Improve your confidence with our online English: Comprehensive Skills in Reading and Writing Program. With affordable tuition, you can get started when you're ready.

Pay in full

Cost of Program1

$399

  • Pay the full cost upfront
  • No monthly payments
  • All major credit and debit cards accepted
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California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

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Looking for more information on transfer credits, military benefits, or our refund policy? Find this information and more about tuition and enrollment here.

Tuition & Payment Options

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Our Proven English Skills Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime
  • No exam due dates
  • Self-paced

Interactive

  • Digital study guides
  • Self-check quizzes
  • Submitted projects

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online student community
  • Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty
  • Dedicated student services
  • Robust learning resources

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Comprehensive English Skills Program FAQs

How do I become a writer without a degree?

Writers don't necessarily need to earn a degree. Many learn how to write through reading and experience. Depending on the type of writer you want to be, you may need to take classes or even earn a degree to qualify for a job in areas like marketing or communication. However, if you want to become a freelance writer or author, strong reading and writing skills can help you get there.

Can you really learn to read and write in English online?

Our online English classes can help those who aren't confident in their grammar, reading, and writing skills to improve how they read and write. It isn't intended to be an English as a second language learning program. Through studying the essentials of English language and grammar, completing quizzes, and writing essays, you can become a stronger reader and writer online.

How can I improve my English speaking and writing?

Like any skill, reading and writing well is improved through regular practice. If you're looking to improve your speaking and writing skills, it's important to try to read often, whether that's a newspaper or a novel. Additionally, it can be helpful to regularly quiz yourself on what you learn and use tools like Grammarly to reinforce your reading and writing knowledge.

How long will it take to complete the comprehensive reading and writing course?

Our online comprehensive reading and writing classes are online and self-paced, meaning you can complete them at the speed that works best for you!